Faults:

Replaced radiator due to leak.

Fuel pump relay died.

Left Front wheel bearing went out @ 250000 miles.

General Comments:

It has been through three sets of brakes, four sets of tires, three sets of front struts, one rear, and, still have the original factory clutch (still strong).

Other than normal maintenance this car has been a trouble free car.

Constantly cruise 75-80mph with no oil burning between changes.

Averages 38 mpg even today after 20 years of use.

Faults:

So far not a whole lot has gone wrong. It runs great.

There is a quarter sized hole in the transmission that leaks fluid, but my dad has a plug for that.

One of the headlights are out.

But considering I only paid $100 for it and it still runs, its wonderful.

General Comments:

I also have a 1995 Buick Regal Custom 2 door coupe, and the luxury of the Jetta far exceeds my Buick.

I enjoy the manual locks, windows and the sunroof.

For being an older car it has a surprising amount of safety features, that I really enjoy.

Only one-hundred dollars, I couldn't believe. I am so happy with the car.

Faults:

I had to replace a break line because it rusted through.

I replaced the radiator because it started leaking.

I replaced the lower front ball joints bceause they were worn out.

Front driver seat back support has an internal problem.

I replaced other parts over the years which I consider normal maintenance, such as shocks, brake pads, drive belts and exhaust system.

General Comments:

I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car.

Before owning this Jetta, I owned a 1981 VW Rabbit LS diesel which had 642000 km on it when I finally had to put it to pasture. The Rabbit was an extremely simple, durable vehicle and I found the Jetta to be a worthy successor.

The thing I like most about this car is the 1.6 non-turbo diesel engine. Like the 1.6 that was in my Rabbit, it has performed with a high degree of reliability and economy over the years, with only regular and consistent maintenance.

Although some may complain about the performance of this motor, I found it to be adequate when mated to the five speed gear box. Although only rated at 52 horsepower, the engine has enough torque for me to pull a 4x8 utility trailer.

Other points I like about this car is its' cavernous trunk, good handling characteristics and its' overall styling.

Can I recommend this car? Absolutely. Before buying one, I recommend you take someone with you to view the car who has an understanding of these cars and what to look out for. For example, black scum in the expansion bottle can indicate a failing head gasket or cracked cylinder head, both potentially expensive repairs.

Faults:

Just about everything has gone wrong with this automobile, the previous owner must have really neglected the car. The worst had to have been the camshaft breaking, ($400 brand new)

General Comments:

For a turbo diesel it responds quite well. The fuel mileage is incredible, and the car handles extremly well. Aligning the wheels on the other hand has been quite a task.